New Domestic Violence Laws

Amy Krupinski, AFCC-MN Chapter President

Matt Yost, Co-chair, Legislative and Public Policy Committee

On August 1, 2026, a number of new laws relating to domestic violence took effect after being passed during this year's legislative session as part of larger bills relating to public safety. These new laws include the following provisions addressing various domestic violence-related concerns:

1. Parties who are required to surrender firearms pursuant to an order for protection are now required to file proof of surrender with the court. While surrender of firearms has historically been a collateral consequence associated with an order for protection, the updated legislation adds this affirmative obligation to provide proof of that surrender, codifying compliance and permitting courts and protected parties to pursue enforcement of this obligation. The legislation also clarifies the surrender process and provides guidance to law enforcement and the judiciary on their roles in this process.

2. The window to arrest a suspect for misdemeanor domestic assault based on a probable cause determination increased from three days to two weeks. This increase in the time law enforcement has to arrest a suspect without the need of a warrant seeks to provide officers with greater time to locate a suspect and to prevent suspects from evading arrest for domestic violence crimes. 

3. $12.5 million in new funding was appropriated for programming to address the impacts of domestic violence, with $1.5 million going toward establishing housing grants for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence and $11 million going to address a reduction in federal funding for services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes. 

AFCC-MN recognizes the impact this new legislation has on its membership and seeks to ensure that members stay informed on legislative updates as they arise.